For a first-time starter, Julian Sayin has been curiously under-discussed relative to the efficiency and composure he’s shown in Ohio State’s 3-0 start. Those starts included a 14-7 win over then-No. 1 Texas and a 37-9 separation against Ohio that displayed command at the line and poise in leverage moments. The stat lines back it up. 13-of-20 with a pivotal deep TD to Carnell Tate to beat Texas, then 347 yards and three scores as the Buckeyes methodically pulled away from Ohio. While veterans like Cade Klubnik command preseason name recognition, Sayin’s on-field impact and win equity are already tracking at a top-tier trajectory for a team that’s sitting at No. 1 and performing like it.

Part of Sayin’s “underrated” sheen is due to the effort it took him to get this job (at lea

See Full Page